CORK FABRIC

Cork fabric, also known as cork leather and cork skin, is made of the best quality cork shavings removed
from the bark of the cork oak tree and transformed into very thin sheets that are laminated to a backing
support. Cork is eco-friendly, natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It’ s lightweight, versatile,
impermeable, insulating and very durable, dust and dirt repellant. Cork fabric can be hand and machine
sewed or used with glue. Its beautiful texture makes it great for many craft projects... It is used in
fashion, leather products, home-decor, sports, leisure and even in the automotive and aerospace
industry. There is an endless list of products that can be made with cork fabric. It includes clothing,
uppers of shoes and sandals, baby moccasins, handbags, clutches, wallets, cases, sleeves, belts, camera
straps, watchstraps, upholstery products (like furniture, sofas and chairs), jewelry, labels, box lining, book
binding, bicycle saddles… A very similar process is used to produce cork paper and cork cardstock, the
only difference being the backing support to which the cork is glued to
Portugal is the world's number one cork producer and from our large cork forests, the "montados", come
this incredible material. Unlike other cork fabrics in the market, this one is 100% Portuguese. It uses our
cork, the backing is made in Portugal and it's produced locally with high skilled know how. Our cork
fabric has a soft and natural touch and texture that is very difficult to find. To obtain a final look like ours,
manufacturers have to use the best quality cork shavings (you'll see that cork fabric supplied by other
manufacturers have more dark dots/ marks - less quality cork sometimes damaged by natural pests)
and resist to working with chemical products, choosing a water-based adhesive, instead of more
aggressive ones as it often happens.
There are many patterns available and colors, too. The patterns are not printed, only using natural cork.
Even colored cork fabric is dyed and not printed.
We are committed to sustainability, to work for a better world and have chosen a cork fabric
manufacturer that shares this view. Choosing cork is not enough to assure sustainable choices... But
choosing this cork fabric is more than enough!!
In this document you’ ll find precious information about our cork fabric. We tried to sum up our client’ s
most frequently asked questions:
1. From the cork oak tree to cork fabric – how is cork fabric produced?
2. Do all cork fabrics look and feel the same?
3. Are there differences between the backings?
4. Is it possible to get cork fabric in different thicknesses?
5. What is reversible cork fabric?
6. Is cork fabric 100% eco-friendly?
7. How durable cork fabric is? Is it comparable to leather? Is there a need for special care?
8. May cork fabric be exposed to sunlight?
9. How can cork fabric be cleaned?
10. Is cork fabric health safe and hygienic?
11. Can cork fabric be printed? Is this something you can write on with an ink pen or marker?
12. May I sew, cut and glue cork fabric and cork paper at home or do I need special tools?
13. Is cork fabric a waterproof material?
14. Why is cork fabric an expensive product?
15. Can cork fabric be used to make handles? Will they be able to handle the weight and stress?
16. Do I have to worry about cork fabric drying out and cracking?
17. Do you sell more cork products?
18. May I get swatches to select the best fabric for my collection?
19. In case I want a specific pattern or color (or backing) that you don’ t have in stock, do I need to place
a large order? Which is your minimum quantity order?
20. Do you offer wholesale conditions?
21. Why should I buy cork fabric from your company?

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FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. FROM THE CORK OAK TREE TO CORK FABRIC – HOW IS CORK FABRIC PRODUCED?
Cork fabric’ s story begins in the montado, a forest that grows in Portugal, as in other Mediterranean
countries, due to the climate and types of soil present in these locations. The montado is the natural
habitat of the cork oak tree and of many other unique species. Unlike what happens in many other
forests, in the montado, the human species is welcome and actively participates in the ecosystem
balance. The human activity of harvesting cork oak trees, instead of damaging the environment, has the
rare property of contributing to the maintenance of natural species. When the bark of a cork-oak tree is
harvested, the tree is not damaged, and a new layer of cork grows back slowly during the following nine
years before it gets harvested again. Thus, cork use does not endanger the cork-oak tree and it
continues to grow and to produce more cork, allowing it to continue to absorb carbon dioxide while
preserving the montado. As so, cork industry, highly regulated, contributes not only to local development
but also to the cork-oak field ecosystem, promoting a perfect marriage between humans and nature.

Cork oak trees are a long-term investment, once the first harvest only happens when the trees are 25 to
30 years old and the first two harvests, “male cork” (in Portugal: virgem for the first time and secundeira
for the second harvest), have not enough quality to produce some of the most popular cork products,
including cork fabric. The subsequent harvests will be of higher quality and they are called “gentle cork”
(amadia in Portuguese). Usually a cork oak tree will lives 200 years, being possible to harvest each tree
17 times during its lifetime.

Every nine years, experienced and high skilled workers use all their knowledge to strip the cork oak tree
with a specialized cork axe. This is a very hard job performed during the hot spring and summer months
(from May to August), the best period to strip the cork oak tree without damaging the underlying layers
of the trunk, once the trees face higher rates of growth during these months. After the harvest, cork oak
trees are marked with a special white paint in order to register the harvest date (the last figure of the
year), signaling that it should not be harvested before the 9 years pass. After being removed from the
tree, cork comes in light and large curved planks, the larger the section the better.

In Portugal, cork transformation does not happen near the montados’ region and cork planks must be
taken by large truckloads to the plant. We all recall, in summer months, seeing those very very large
truckloads crossing Portugal roads… Those very loaded trucks transport cork bales and, while traveling by
car, we are always afraid (specially children) that one of the planks drops during an overtaking.

After the extraction, cork planks will rest for approximately 6 months in the open air, being exposed to
sun, wind and rain, releasing its sap and moisture contents.

The preparation stage begins with boiling. The planks are boiled in tanks with a depth of 4m for at least
one hour. This will remove unwanted organic objects and reduce the microflora. Planks will become
thicker, smoother, softer, more flexible and flatter. It will be easier to work with cork. During this process,
the cork volume increases by 20%.

Once dried, which takes 2 to 4 weeks, the planks will be separated depending on quality and cut in
appropriate bars. Thickness, appearance and porosity are the most important characteristics that
influence cork quality. Even those planks showing defects will be used, cork is never wasted.

In order to produce cork fabric or cork paper, we need very thin, almost transparent, sheets of cork.
These sheets can be obtained from slicing the planks. Depending on the patterns, it may also happen
that planks are transformed into thick blocks, by the use of heat and high pressure, and those blocks are
then shaved into very thin cork sheets. At this stage begins the most labor-intensive part of the process.
The thin cork sheets must be adhered to a fabric or paper support backing, job that is performed by
human hands that stand around the backing, placing the small rectangular cork sheets together. This
requires high precision skills, almost like patchwork, and the final look of the pattern will depend on the
quality of this work. For a better and more uniform look, the fabric must be hand sanded. At the final
step of this handcrafted process, a fabric protection (non-toxic and causing no damages to the
environment) is applied to cork fabric.

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 2. DO ALL CORK FABRICS LOOK AND FEEL THE SAME?
In case you would have the opportunity to touch different cork fabrics coming from different factories
you would be able to test how cork fabrics are different, though that difference is not noticeable in the
photos.

We can assure that our cork fabric is of best quality, since the local manufacturer is committed to
produce a high quality product. Our cork fabric has a soft and natural touch that is very difficult to find.
Usually other manufacturers add a finishing protection that makes cork fabric look almost like plastic,
with a less natural looking and being less soft to the touch.

To have a final look like ours, manufacturers have to use best quality cork shavings (you'll see that cork
fabric supplied by other manufacturers have more dark dots/marks - less quality cork sometimes
damaged by natural pests) and resist to working with chemical products. I addition to this, we work
with a small to medium scale local factory, producing an almost handcrafted product, so differently from
other large-scale producers.
Summing up, this is a different cork fabric once it’ s produced locally (using only national resources),
avoiding the use of chemical products, using high quality cork and being produced in a small to medium
scale incorporating high valuable human skills, from the cork harvesting to cork fabric manufacture.

3. ARE THERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BACKINGS?

Different BACKINGS have different properties and allow cork fabrics to have different uses.

BACKING/THICKNESS COMPOSITION CHARACTERISTICS FINAL USES

Polyester mesh, It can be sewed in a regular
Works as a thin fabric. Very
coated PU sewing machine. Perfect for
Kidskin/0.4mm thin, stretchable and incredibly
- 59% PU clothing production, including
pliable.
- 41% polyester raincoats.
Cotton/polyester
Very soft and pliable, easy to It can be sewed in a regular
blend, coagulated
fold, but it will look better if sewing machine. Suited for
fabric, coated PU
Textile/1.1mm lined. Behaves more like an sewing works as clothing, bags,
- 63% PU
ordinary fabric. Tears a little home décor projects,
- 24% Polyester
more than the others. accessories and upholstery.
- 13% cotton
Similar to the textile backing
0.80mm
but thinner, more pliable, It can be sewed in a regular
stretchable and lightweight sewing machine. Used as the
and less soft to touch. Between textile when a thinner material
0.90mm is needed.
Nonwoven a fabric and leather. Doesn’ t
polyester/viscose need being lined.
Non coated PU Stronger and less pliable,
woven - 77% PU stiffer, probably you’ ll have It can be sewed (although it
- 15% Polyester some cracking marks if you will be more difficult than the
- 8% Viscose fold it, more similar to leather other backings) but it's better
1.10mm
than to a fabric. Sometimes it not to fold it.
comes with some stains due to Used in footwear, bags, cases
the adhesive used, no problem and sleeves.
if you are going to line it.
Nonwoven polyester/ Works like leather, it will have
viscose coated PU the same uses as 2 to 3 oz
Reversible 1.2mm - 77% PU Strong and stiff. leather – bags, wallets, straps
- 15% Polyester and strips, boxes, cases, covers,
- 8% Viscose etc.
Nonwoven polyester/ Works like leather, it will have
viscose coated PU the same uses as 4 to 5 oz
Double Reversible
- 77% PU Very strong and stiff. leather - camera straps,
2.2mm
- 15% Polyester handles, watchbands, sheaths,
- 8% Viscose belts, rugs.

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* All backings are 140cm/approx. 55” wide, with the exception of kidskin backing, which is 147cm
(approx. 57 7/8") wide. We sell cork fabric by linear meters (a linear meter is approx. 39 3/8"x55 1/8" or
1.09x1.53 yd)
* The color of the backing can be lighter or darker, depending on the color/pattern of the cork layer.
* Almost all patterns/colors can be produced using any of the backings - the price is the same. In all the
patterns made to order you can choose the backing most suited for your work.
*The reversible material listed is made with the Non Woven 1.1mm. With the exception of the textile
backing, all others may be produced with cork on both sides. So, you can have reversible materials
beginning at 0.5mm thick.

4. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET CORK FABRIC IN DIFFERENT THICKNESSES?

Yes it is possible… Using different backings we can have different final cork fabrics with different
thicknesses, characteristics and uses. There is a very thin backing (0.4mm) similar to kidskin, using this
backing we obtain a very thin and pliable cork fabric that can be used in clothing production. There are
three different non-woven backings: 0.80mm, 0.90mm and 1.1mm. Depending on the thickness, cork
fabric can be more pliable or sturdy, with many final uses, including shoes, upholstery, bags, etc.
There is one more backing, the textile backing, with a cotton percentage, 1.1mm thickness, very pliable,
just like a common fabric, used in bags and many other sewing projects.

5. WHAT IS REVERSIBLE CORK FABRIC?

Recently we have been developing a new unique product, the reversible cork fabric, that you won’ t find
elsewhere. It is great for jewelry (ideal for making cuffs and flat cord, for instance), straps and bag
handles. The standard double-sided cork (made with NW1.1 backing) is more difficult to bend, it does not
mold so easily and it's stiffer, more rigid. If you put it over a table or on the floor it will remain standing.
It's more similar to leather, different from a common fabric. But we can make reversible cork fabrics
with any of the backings, with the exception of the textile one… Using the kidskin backing, for instance,
we obtain an incredible material, very pliable and that can be used as a regular fabric.

Attending to our demand, the manufacturer produced a very stronger reversible cork fabric, the double
reversible, with tow backing layers, ideal for belts, watchstraps, camera straps and many other leather
works. You’ ll be able to choose two different patterns or colors, one for each side.

6. IS CORK FABRIC 100% ECO-FRIENDLY?

Cork fabric is made of natural fibbers, using the bark of the cork oak tree. It’ s the most successful
attempt to create an animal free substitute for leather.
Cork fabric is made using very thin cork sheets that are laminated to a backing. Although the cork itself
is a 100% eco-friendly choice (cork is 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable) the need
of using a backing, an adhesive and finishing products makes it almost impossible to have a 100% eco-
friendly product. Even though, cork fabrics available in the market differ from each other and those
differences depend on the choices related to those materials. Choosing cork is not enough to assure
sustainable choices…
The manufacturer we work with is committed to sustainability, which is revealed by the choices they
make. Our cork fabric reduces the use of chemical products as much as possible.
The choice of local producers
More than 50% of world cork comes from Portugal oak tree forests, montados, but this is not enough to
assure that cork fabric is a Portuguese product. Many cork fabric manufacturers are not Portuguese
although they use Portuguese cork, and even among those that are Portuguese some don’ t offer a 100%
Portuguese product.
Our personal commitment to sell a sustainable product inspires me to choose local producers. It
improves local development and it’ s better for air quality, reducing pollution emitted and cutting down
the use of fossil fuels once it reduces miles travelled by the products.
The backing…
This factory avoids working with pvc backings differently from other manufacturers and they are trying
to find a 100% natural backing. It's very difficult to find fabrics that work as cork backings, those fabrics
must have some properties, like flexibility and resistance to high temperatures, which are difficult to
find. They've tried 100% cotton fabrics and the experiences did not yet work out. They provide different
backings and the textile one has a percentage of cotton.

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They choose Portuguese backing suppliers, making it possible to have a 100% Portuguese cork fabric,
locally produced.
The adhesive…
The manufacturer uses a water-based adhesive, free of dangerous substances, instead of a more
chemical and aggressive as it often happens. Very recently they’ ve been working on a new binder
agent coming from food industry. Some new products are already using this new binder.
The finishing products…
The finishing products, although not being 100% ecological, do not contain dangerous substances. Tests
have shown that heavy metals compounds, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC’ s) are
not detectable, not compromising human health and the environment.
Dyeing products
Obtaining a natural dye to use in cork is a challenge that was not yet possible to achieve. Cork needs a
dyeing product with some special properties that make it possible to obtain a certain type of chemical
reaction, allowing the color to adhere to the cork.
Dyed cork fabric is produced using a water-repelling cork protector, which is a mixture of surfactants,
pigments, additives and organic solvents. All these substances are not identified as dangerous and this
product has no hazardous properties, respecting all Chemical Regulations from European Union and not
being considered dangerous for human health and the environment.
Recently the factory is working on a new product that is not dyed, but that includes a material used in
child activities.
So… this may not be 100% eco-friendly but it is certainly one of the most eco-friendly cork fabrics in the
market and buying it you’ ll be supporting real efforts to make cork fabric a 100% natural product.

7. HOW DURABLE CORK FABRIC IS? IS IT COMPARABLE TO LEATHER? IS THERE A NEED FOR SPECIAL CARE?
Cork fabric is at least as durable as leather; some tests show that it is even more durable that some
types of leather. The unusual chemical and physical characteristics of cork allow remarkable wear
resistance and admirable degradation rates if exposed to acid. The manufacturing process reinforces
these natural features and some finishing treatments make cork fabric incredibly resistant to wear.
There’ s no need for specific care, but in case you want it you may care it as you would with leather.

8. MAY CORK FABRIC BE EXPOSED TO SUNLIGHT?

The only problem with the durability of cork fabric has to do with sun exposure... With time, cork has a
problem with the sun, like wood... it's not specific to cork fabric but common to all cork products. So,
with time, all cork products will have its color changed slightly (very, very slightly)... My manufacturer (as
others) uses a finishing and protecting product that diminishes this effect. Dyed cork fabric is not more
sensible to sun than natural cork fabric.

9. HOW CAN CORK FABRIC BE CLEANED?

Cork fabric repels dust, grease and dirt and resists to stains. Even though, in case you need, it can be
cleaned with a damp cloth and a neutral soap. For a more profound cleaning, the manufacturer
recommends a wool program in the washing machine (notice that as cork fabric is made with water
based adhesive it’ s important to avoid high temperatures and strong spin in the washing machine.
However, some clients have successfully experienced washing cork fabric in regular programs).

10. IS CORK FABRIC HEALTH SAFE AND HYGIENIC?

Cork fabric causes no damages to health: it’ s hypoallergenic, with no risk of causing allergies or asthma;
it proves to be low dust absorbent and is almost immune to fungus, bacteria and mites.
Being highly hygienic is an important feature, too. We can say that it is water, dust, dirt and grease
repellent.
Our cork fabric was tested, including the adhesives and finishing products, on an accredited lab about
the content of substances according requirements of textile industry to be used on products to children
< 3 years and it pass on all the tests.

11. CAN CORK FABRIC BE PRINTED? IS THIS SOMETHING YOU CAN WRITE ON WITH AN INK PEN OR
MARKER?
Cork fabric accepts digital printing and stamping (at least using some type of inks) and cork paper can
be used in a regular home printing. But we are not sure if a marker will have a permanent effect on cork
fabric... Not because of cork, but because there is a finishing treatment applied and we are not sure that
there won’ t be chemical reactions...

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12. MAY I SEW, CUT AND GLUE CORK FABRIC AND CORK PAPER AT HOME OR DO I NEED SPECIAL TOOLS?
Most of our cork fabrics can be sewed in a regular sewing machine, using a regular thread; on the FAQ nº
4 you’ ll find more information about the backings that are easier to sew. Cork fabric is fairly strong and
does not pull or rip apart very easily. In order to cut cork fabric and cork paper you can use a common
pair of scissors, but the best way to have a more perfect look will be to use a box cutter (it will better to
test it first with the textile backing). Both cork fabric and cork paper can be glued, we advise you to use
water-based glue and not more chemically aggressive products.

13. IS CORK FABRIC A WATERPROOF MATERIAL?

The natural properties of cork, reinforced by a series of specific treatments in the production process,
enables the manufacturing of cork fabric based products such as umbrellas, raincoats, garments, and
fashion accessories. As cork is water repelling, cork fabric maintains this property. However, we can’ t
submerge cork fabric expecting that it will not become wet, once most of the backing supports are not
waterproof.

14. WHY IS CORK FABRIC AN EXPENSIVE PRODUCT?

We only have cork oak trees in Portugal and some more countries near the Mediterranean. The bark of
the cork oak tree is removed only one in 9 years... Producing cork fabric combines intensive labor use
with very innovative processes... Few factories in Portugal are prepared to make it. Usually we compare
cork fabric to leather... Their properties are very similar and cork fabric is an animal free product and not
more expensive...

15. CAN CORK FABRIC BE USED TO MAKE HANDLES? WILL THEY BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT AND
STRESS?
There is a specific and original cork fabric product that is perfect to make handles: the reversible cork
fabric. We developed an even stronger reversible cork fabric (double reversible) that is perfect for
leather products like handles, bag straps, watchstraps or belts. The double reversible cork fabric is made
using two layers of backing/interlining making it incredibly strong. We can sell the fabric so you can
make the straps by yourself or we can sell the straps as a final product. We always advise to make a test
prior the final order, you can ask for a sample or buy a strap (depending on the size you’ ll need).

16. DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CORK FABRIC DRYING OUT AND CRACKING?
We've already sold cork fabric to many, many countries; we produce many products with it and we use
some of those products in our daily life. We've never had problems with cork getting dry. However, in
very dry regions or in very specific conditions it may happen that cork gets dry. Cork contains 11% of
humidity, which allows cork to be a flexible material. It's a natural product and it is difficult to change
"nature" :). Our suggestion will be to give it a bath of hot paraffin, not submerging it but putting the
paraffin on top of cork fabric, it will help to maintain the intrinsic humidity of cork fabric.
You would have to worry about cracking with low quality cork fabrics. This is not the case. You should
also worry if you use a cork fabric with 1.1mm non-woven backing when you need to fold it.
17. DO YOU SELL MORE CORK PRODUCTS?
We sell cork fabric with very different backings and patterns/colors, reversible cork fabrics and many
other cork supplies:
- cork fabric straps and cords, that may be used in jewelry, as bag handles or watch and camera straps;
- cork fabric fringes, so fashionable these days and being an incredible option to leather fringes;
- cork paper and double-sided cork paper and cardboard, being used in business cards, binding works,
box lining, invitations and other wedding decoration ideas;
- agglomerated cork sheets and decorative cork sheets that can be used in home decoration or craft
projects;
- cork beads that were produced with natural cork to be used in fishing. They were meant to be used as
floats for nets and baits by fishermen, but thanks to us they will end up in creative hands that will bring
them new life;
- cork filling: granulated cork is a great stuffing option and we are working on supplying cork shavings,
too;
- virgin cork bark is now supplied by us, directly from the cork oak tree to your creative hands…
But still, if you need a cork product that you can’ t find, we’ ll be happy to help you finding it!

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18. MAY I GET SWATCHES TO SELECT THE BEST FABRIC FOR MY COLLECTION?
Yes, of course. In our shop you’ ll find a set of samples including 5 different backings and two reversible
options. You’ ll find assorted colored and patterned cork fabric, too. We also have samples of other cork
products, like cork paper, cork beads, cork filling, etc.

19. IN CASE I WANT A SPECIFIC PATTERN OR COLOR (OR BACKING) THAT YOU DON’ T HAVE IN STOCK, DO
I NEED TO PLACE A LARGE ORDER? WHICH IS YOUR MINIMUM QUANTITY ORDER?
As we work with a small to medium scale factory, they are more flexible than other manufacturers. As so,
you will be able to choose among all the patterns/colors and backings available, placing an order of one
linear meter (100x140cm, a linear meter is approx. 39 3/8"x55 1/8" or 1.09x1.53 yd), our minimum quantity
order. However, this flexibility has a price… You won’ t pay that price with money, but with time… You’ ll
have to wait at least four weeks to have your cork fabric done. And we have to say that, sometimes, we
face some delays that have to do with machine problems. Although this is not usual at all, we strongly
recommend you to prepare and place your orders in advance so you want face any unexpected
inconveniences in your work.

20. DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE CONDITIONS?

Due to a partnership with a local factory we are able to offer wholesale prices for orders larger than 10
linear meters per reference. Foclore Crafts provides commercial and technical support and our partner is
responsible for manufacturing, billing and shipping.

21. WHY SHOULD I BUY CORK FABRIC FROM YOUR COMPANY?

We are committed to sustainability, offering a 100% Portuguese cork fabric that promotes local
development and the balance of natural and human resources. Our cork fabric is different from others
being produced with high quality cork, high skilled labor processes and innovative technologies and
avoiding the use of chemical products. It has a very special natural touch and a beautiful look.

Besides that, having chosen a small to medium local factory, we are able to work with more flexibility,
not being restricted to produce only large orders. That flexibility also allows us to supply many different
backings, providing our clients the possibility of choosing that backing support that most suit their
needs. Furthermore, we are even able to work in partnership with our clients in order to produce new
products and develop personalized products.

Another reason that should advise you to work with us has to do with the diversity of patterns and colors
available. The local manufacturer uses a less industrial production process that allows them to offer
natural and not printed exclusive patterns. Even colored cork fabric is dyed and not printed.
Buying from our company you will also be able to find many other cork supplies that may suit your
needs.

All these factors make us a very special allied, perfect for those that will use cork for their hobbies, but
also for those that are choosing cork fabric to go further in their craft, fashion or home decor business.
But even more important… We’ ll be always here for you, available to answer to all your questions. Cork is
an incredible product and providing information about it is always a pleasure. Better information makes
better consumer choices and better consumer choices make a better world. We are committed to work
for a better world!

CONTACTS

FolcloreCrafts.etsy.com
FolcloreGifts.etsy.com

e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 00351 917126150
Av. Miguel Bombarda, 8 F
2780-343 Oeiras
Portugal